MetaMan Half and Full Iron Distance Triathlon, Bintan

MetaMan Half and Full Iron Distance Triathlon, Bintan

22 Aug 2014 -
25 Aug 2014

1399

Following last year's success, Southeast Asia’s premier iron-distance triathlon, the MetaMan Iron Distance Triathlon returns to beautiful Bintan Island in the Riau Archipelago Province from 23rd to 25th August 2014, to take place at the Nirwana Garden Resort.

A tough, honest, challenging iron distance triathlon, the event uniquely combines sports and tourism and is hailed as one of the biggest annual triathlons in South East Asia. Based on an idyllic beach resort only a short ferry ride from Singapore, the tropical Bintan Island provides all the elements for an epic event.

Compared to other similar sporting events such as the Tour de Singkarak cycling races in West Sumatra, and the Bintan Triathlon, the MetaMan has its own unique characteristics.

Combining the ultimate in swimming, cycling, and running, this outstanding competition is divided into two main categories: the Full Iron Distance and the Half Iron Distance, with the addition of the MetaMan Blitz Categories. The Full Iron Distance category will take on the course of 2.8Km of swimming, 180Km of cycling, and 42.2Km of running. The half Iron Distance category will take on the course of 1.9Km of swimming, 90Km of cycling, and 21.1Km of running. While, the Blitz category will take on the course of 1.2Km of swimming, 55Km of cycling, and 7Km of running.

The beauty of the MetaMan course starts with the swim. Set in the crystal clear and calm waters of the South China Sea, the first loop of the swim course is set within the sheltered bay of Nirwana Gardens, with the second loop taking the athletes on a portion supported by favorable currents (East to West) .

Athletes of the half-iron distance only perform the second loop. MetaMan Blitz will have an even shorter swim but still enjoy crossing from one bay to the other, which is the beauty of that swim. With water temperatures averaging 29 degrees Celsius, this will be a fast swim and no wetsuits will be allowed.

A short hop to transition and the competitors will set off on bike leg, which is a 90km-lap affair and combines elements of the Olympic-distance Bintan Triathlon bike route and Stage 2 of the Tour de Bintan.

Those who’ve never ridden in Bintan are in for a treat. The route meanders through the northwestern part of the island, which - except for a few villages full of enthusiastic flag-waving spectators - still lies in its natural state. Green forests, deep blue lakes and beachside views will accompany the riders throughout the bike leg.

In the running leg, the spectators are in for a treat, as the unique multiple-lap course will provide plenty of chances to see the action. The runners themselves have been well looked after as the course, which is run entirely within the grounds of Nirwana Gardens, is mostly flat and covers three distinct zones including a 3km section of each loop run over the soft-packed trails of the Wakatobi Jungle Track. The jungle canopy will provide a welcome respite from the sun for the earlier runners and the trail will be well illuminated as the day turns into night. Another 3km portion of the run takes the runners on a journey through the roads, paths and lanes of the resort, with a beachside stretch linking the two.

A total prize purse of US$34,000 is up for grabs for the 2014 MetaMan Bintan Iron Distance PRO athletes. All finishers will be rewarded with finisher’s medals and race certificate; however, the most rewarding prize will be the thrilling experience in competing in the special race.